Radio, Radio

Rip It Up, Issue 107, 1 June 1986, Page 6

Radio, Radio

Dear Sir: What a contrast between the calm assurance of 2-Triple J FM’s Arnold Frolows and the near-panic of 898 FM's Bruce Bowen; pity they weren't printed side by side. The musicians, like most artists, are in the vanguard of change and know something that Bruce doesn't — that the only advantage overseas musicians and producers have over us is an historical one; they got there first with the technical advances. This is why some of the stuff that he characterises as “garage garbage” and “self-indulgent” is in fact nothing of the kind; it is intended for a peer-group audience that recognise the constraints under which itis made (no budget, apathy from broadcasters etc). That this audience is also a mass one, largely ignored by broadcasting, is shown by the large sales some of these records enjoy without benefit of

from the ranks of the dead Bogie and Elvis and dead Jimmy Dean ... ‘ And John Wayne is using his great sense of tumour To a standing ovation chopped off at the feet.” “Well, there might be a theme of bleakness or extreme lyrics,” says Mace. ! “But sometimes they can be extremely nice,” says Joh. Undoubtedly the message would still be received. The twisting of pop normality doesn’t limit itself to the lyrics; according to Joh the rhythm section is making its own protest at the aforementioned “normality and boredom”

“We've got a new song, a cynical pop song called ‘I Love You Baby’ he says. “Otis is soloing in 5/4 while we're playing 4/4 ... we're not into playing a beat that’s been thrashed” Otis: “The beat is obsolete”

Joh: “Are we rock and roll?” Otis: “Sometimes ... but we're definitely not into synth drum airplay. ; Our musicians are as good as many overseas. This is shown time and again by the number of successful overseas groups that contain Kiwis; by the number of successful Kiwi songwriters living overseas; by the successful individual Kiwis working overseas as musicians, band-leaders, conductors. Many at home lack only exposure for major recognition. Examples: Jacqui Fitzgerald would blow Flora Purim off the stage; from any other country, Patsy Riggir would be a mega-star.

~lt's time the talented New Zealanders were allowed to assist their own country instead of feathering the nests of others. That's what the quota is all about: SO our broadcasters will have to think about the meaning of the music they play, instead of simple being purveyors of overseas product slavishly following the publicity sheets that arrive with the records from overseas head office.

There's no reason why New Zealand couldn’t produce a U2, an Abba, even a Bob Marley. You know, successful artists on whose coat-tails broadcasters like Bruce Bowen could ride. Bruce Morley Hokianga

machines and great snare sounds.” Joh: “I'm much more into jazz rhythms. The beat’s more subtle, but you can still tap your foot to it That you can tap your foot to the Pet Healers was clearly shown by the audience's reaction at the Violent Femmes’ support:“lt was sur--prising,” says Joh. “Two songs in, people surged forward and started dancing. People wanted-a good time, and you could see them on the top floor of His Majesty’s, smiling down on you.” This month the rest of the North Island gets a chance to sample Dr Mace's special brand of pet medicine when the band tours the major centres. When they get back, work will start on their first album, then, according to Mace, “We'll take on the world"”

“Being different is difficult,” he says. “It's much easier to fit into a category. But we want to provide another perspective.” Chris Bourke